Coaching is empowering people to make their own decisions

One of my favourite lines, which holds a special meaning for both my son and me, comes from Rudyard Kipling’s poem 'If', which explores emotional maturity, resilience and moral integrity.

“If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too;”

As a mother of three adult children, I often find myself walking a fine line between giving advice and allowing them to live their own lives. I admire it when my children are able to listen to my advice (and that of their friends and family 😉 ), while continuing on their own path with confidence, self-assurance and the eagerness to succeed and find their way. Trusting their own judgement.

It is a fine line I also have to navigate as a coach, although in a very different way. My role is to challenge my clients, question their assumptions and sometimes play devil’s advocate - not to give advice, and certainly not to tell them what to do.

Instead, I offer them tools to make their own decisions. Tools that help them get to know themselves better: what they want from life, what makes them tick, and how they can align their dreams with their needs.

Because even when we feel uncertain or don't know which way to turn, we often find the answers within ourselves, if only we take the time and create the space to reflect and reconnect with our emotions and values.